Article Analysis and Reflections
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Article Analysis and Reflections
Article 1
Culhane et al. (2014) ‘s hypothesis was focused on identifying male serial murderers’ characteristics from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – 2 results. The study was triggered with revelled by the Federal Bureau of investigation regarding the public’s fascination with exceptional cases of criminal homicides such as serial killing, mass murder, and killing sprees. Culhane et al. (2014) involved 556 suspected incarcerated multiple murders in which 184 offenders agreed to participate. They focused on responses that participants gave on the MMPI-2, an objective test used for assessment of personality in forensic evaluations, and validity scales used in their analysis. They proved their hypothesis that the average serial killer demonstrates a psychologically disturbed MMPI-2 profile and fits their anecdotal expectations of what a serial murderer should look like.
From an analysis of the article, a large sample size would have been utilized to ensure the validity and reliability of results since only 33. 1% of the participants agreed to the study. Furthermore, there are issues with the results’ generalizability, given that the study had some limitations. Case in point, many participants had been in prison for a long time, and they might have aged out of criminality; hence the needed MMPI-2 yielded unwanted results for the researchers. This study reflects how current research should examine current data regarding serial killers, help identify serial murderers earlier before the regarding serial killers, and help identify serial murderers earlier before they commit further crimes. Additionally, forensic evaluators will find this study vital as they undertake criminal investigations in the modern-day world.
Article 2
Nichols (2006) ‘s study was focused on MMPI responses and personal biography in the case of a serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer. In this article, the author uses a case study approach to reveal the behaviours and personality profile of Dahmer. Nichols (2006) indicates that Dahmer’s action resulted from the emotional exposure that failed to form. He argues that Dahmer was willing to co-operate with law enforcement investigators in answering questions related to the manner and methods of killing, disposal of bodies, and artefacts at the scene of the crime. The article reveals more of a lesson for criminal investigators to learn as they conduct their investigations.
Reflections can be derived for this article to understand a serial killer’s mind, such as Dahmer. As such, forensic criminal pathologists should note that no matter the size of the crime or disaster, they must anticipate that the murder investigation may have criminal and civil implications that require more detailed investigation, as Nichols (2006) indicates. As such, profiling with the MMPI-2 is not just enough, but investigators need to do further tests and examine their suspects in detailed levels as they did with Dahmer. Furthermore, co-operation among investigators is a critical element in forensic investigations. The author indicates that investigating agencies must conduct proper and rapid identification, determination of cause and manner of death, disposition of the remains to the family, and manage media responses. If these steps are not taken carefully, criminal investigations can go wrong. Additionally, the author’s use of a case study approach to using biography and MMPI-2 to identify a serial killer’s personality traits is helpful to criminal investigations.
References
Culhane, S. E., Hildebrand, M. M., Walker, S., & Gray, M. J. (2014). MMPI-2 Charateristics of Male Serial Murderders. Applied Psychology in Criminal Justice, 10(1). https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/MMPI-2-CHARACTERISTICS-OF-MALE-SERIAL-MURDERERS-Culhane/3359c42a21b41d14d96e443e78052b1e802cb117
Nichols, D. S. (2006). Tell me a story: MMPI responses and personal biography in the case of a serial killer. Journal of Personality Assessment, 86(3), 242–262. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa8603_02